By Candice Olson, Divine Design

Laura and James couldn't have been more pleased and more frustrated at the same time.

They had endured a year of renovation hell, living in the tiny basement while their 1940s bungalow was being transformed into a beautiful two-story charmer.

Her new bedroom on the second floor was roomy enough - and with its high ceiling and angled walls, it was nothing if not interesting. But it was also dull and lifeless. In a word, it lacked oomph.

With its many angles sending the eye in all directions, the room needed a focal point. Not surprisingly, the high ceiling was a trap for hot air, keeping the temperature in the room uncomfortably warm. I decided that a wall-mounted motorized fan system would not only be practical, but the oversized woven bamboo blades would subtly steer one's attention to the most important element in the bedroom: the bed.

I installed a custom-made headboard covered in gorgeous, crinkly espresso velvet to create a sensational backdrop for the bed, which I covered in rich, luxurious linens, accent pillows and shams. I also added an elegant creamy paisley fabric that really takes the "boring" out of beige.

The room's one window wasn't small, but it wasn't exactly tall, either. To extend its height, I topped it with a valence, then framed the window in beautifully lush velvet drapes with a lattice motif. I added a comfy upholstered cushion to the recessed window seat, then accented the cozy nook with soft cushions identical to those on the bed.

Since closet space was at a premium - and to save James from having to roam from room to room just to find his clothes in the morning - I brought in several right-out-of-the-box dressers. With the simple addition of polished mirror tops and classy translucent handles, these modest dressers suddenly looked every bit as exquisite as anything found in the poshest of hotel suites.

A final few elegant touches and Laura and James had the bedroom of their dreams. What began as blah and boring was now elegant, intimate and, well, downright sexy.

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV's " Divine Design." For more ideas, information and show times, visit www.divinedesign.tv.